Sabtu, 28 Februari 2015

Kayu Agung of Indonesia

Kayu Agung of Indonesia
The Kayu Agung are located throughout the districts of Kayu Agung and Ogan Komering Ilir Atas in the province of South Sumatra. The Kayu Agung tend to be farmers. Nevertheless, they also have more ways of making a living because most of the area in which they live is urbanized, unlike other nearby people groups who live in more rural settings. Almost all of the Kayu Agung follow Islam. However, many also hold traditional beliefs in the spirit world. The Kayu Agung believe that ancestral spirits can trouble humans. Because of this, before a body is buried they must cleanse it with flowers. The goal is to confuse the dead spirit so it forgets its way back to its former home. A dukun (shaman/healer) is highly trusted and is often requested to perform rituals for planting and harvesting.
Ministry Obstacles
The Komering language does not have scripture reported as available.
Outreach Ideas
There are more believers among the nearby Komering group. Pray they will have a vision to encourage their neighbors and help them to encounter Christ.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Please pray for the few individuals in the Kayu Agung people group who consider themselves to be Christians. Pray they will learn to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, and will be quick to confess sin and turn from it.
Pray for the entire people group
One way of making a living, for which the Kayu Agung are very well known, is to become a "duta". A person who is a duta has a high social status among the Kayu Agung, due to his ability to get large amounts of money. In fact, the job of a duta is to be a top-class criminal in large cities. This reveals a distorted value system that needs to be corrected.
Scripture Focus
"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15
 

People Name: Kayu Agung
Country: Indonesia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 21,000
World Population: 21,000
Language: Komering
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: None
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2

Arakh of Nepal

Arakh of Nepal
The Arakh avoid transacting a marital alliance for a daughter in a village from which a daughter-in-law has come. Their marriage symbols are vermilion, bangles, toe-rings, and anklets (payal). Divorce (chutti-chutta) is permissible. Remarriage (dharona) is permissible for widowed and divorced persons. The Arakh bury the dead and observe the juria ceremony for three days when the kusha grass, gingelly (til,) and water are offered. This is followed by the dashwan and tereheen rituals.
Ministry Obstacles
There are probably no followers of Christ today within the Arakh community, in either India or Nepal. The community practices Hinduism, a very different worldview than that of the Christian.
Outreach Ideas
Much sustained prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of this Hindu community to understand and believe the Gospel of Christ when it comes to them.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There probably are no believers in Jesus Christ today within this community, not only in Nepal, but also in India. But pray for those the Lord will soon bring to himself, that they will learn to be joyful always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Arakh community to be given the gift of conviction of sin, and will be made aware of their need for a Savior from sin. Pray the Lord will then send messengers to them to tell them of who Jesus is and what he has done for them.
Scripture Focus
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16
 

People Name: Arakh
Country: Nepal
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 900
World Population: 586,000
Language: Awadhi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

GPN 27/02/2015

27/02/2015

Dear Dave,

'Paying your vows with praise will delight the Lord and double your blessings.' (Psalm 22:25-27)

Pray for God’s blessing, anointing and guidance for John T.L. Maasbach and the MAP Band during their mission trip to the USA from February 18th until March 3rd.

IMPORTANT: Mrs. M. is in the hospital with stomach cancer and asks prayer for strength and healing of her body.

URGENT: Pray for a miracle for Mrs. U. for healing of uterine cancer.

I ask prayer for a breakthrough in our finances, so the money from abroad is credited to our account, which is required to pay the current bills. Fam. v.E.

My friend An is not a radical Christian and has a lot of pain in her life. It seems as if she likes to have problems and enjoys it when things go wrong. She drinks and smokes. She is dragging me down with her and I feel so empty. Pray for her restless life and for a change in my life. Ms. R.H.

Indonesia: I would like to ask prayer for OASIS Yogyakarta. Pray for God's blessing, protection, provision, power and miracles for the staff, the children and their families, and all those involved in the OASIS project in Yogyakarta. Mr. W.B.

I get help from my church. Pray that I receive healing from a trauma and provision for a new home. Mrs. A.

USA: Dr. Kent H. has been in prison for 8 years, because he brought the Gospel in schools. Last week he would be released, but there is a new indictment against him. The new trial starts on March 2nd and the judge is fiercely against Christians and would do anything to silence this man lifelong. Pray for the judges and that a miracle will happen. J-W. v/d G.

Pray for God's healing for my husband. Mrs. S.

Pray for deliverance from stress and physical healing for Mrs. L.K. and also for her two children.

Belgium: Pray for a miracle in our major financial distress. I am a single mother of a son and have a low income. Still, I am very grateful to God that I can experience joy, even though there is a lot of sadness.Thank you for your daily prayers. Mrs. S.T.

Ms. R. asks prayer for God's healing of her eyes. Pray also for her son.

Mr. J. (80) worked used to work in Research. He feels opposed by an energy company, which for financial reasons, do not want to solve a problem with the gas valve of citizens. Pray that God will protect innocent civilians and that this problem will be solved.

Mrs. d.B. asks prayer for strength and healing in her body.

Lebanon: A refugee fled his home in Iraq after fanatics threatened to kill him. After reaching Lebanon, he met VOM partners who told him about Christ. Soon he gave his life to Christ and he is sharing the Gospel with his mother, brother and some friends. He actively ministers to Assyrians, Iraqis and others in Lebanon. Pray that his family will come to Christ and he will continue his ministry to those around him in Lebanon. VOM Contact

Pray for God's healing for my son from his tailbone. Doctors are afraid to operate him. Mrs. H.

My neighbor J. gets angry and aggressive. Pray for his conversion and restoration in his relationship with the neighbors.

Mrs. S. has not yet converted to Christ, but still she asks prayer for God's help for her children and grandchildren. She is very worried and feels down. Pray for their conversion and a change in this family.

Pray for healing for Y. of ADHD. And for God's peace for his mother.

PRAYER HELPS: After your prayers, my son, who was just lying on his bed for three months, has found a full-time job. Yesterday my mother had a successful severe lung surgery. She can leave the hospital soon, after she is convalesced. I myself start to recover physically and mentally. PRAY for further restoration of my energy and a breakthrough and change in my financial situation. Mrs. V.B.

The Blessing Family Message Station
NEW, MODERN AND SUPER FAST!
Listen non-stop to the faith-building messages of anointed preachers with singing, music and special prayer. Choose your own language, preacher and topic. Listen, download, like it, put in your favorites, share with others and much more! Pray and thank God that this station will reach many people in places where little or nothing of the Gospel is found and where people are on their own. Tune in at www.maasbachradio.com

We wish you a very blessed weekend!
The team of Global Prayer Network 

Avar, Dagestani of Russia

Avar, Dagestani of Russia
The Avar are one of the largest native people groups living in Dagestan, located within the Caucasus Mountain region. They are very devoted to traditional family values. The basic unit of Avar society is the village community. A village assembly and a council of elders govern the community. Sunni Islam has been the prevailing religion of the Avar since the 13th century. Between the 5th and 12th centuries, Georgian Orthodox Christianity was introduced to the Avar. However, the influence of Islam was more lasting, and today the Avar are almost completely Muslim. They hold fast to their religion, and tradition seems to keep them from being receptive to the Gospel.
Ministry Obstacles
The Caucasus region is difficult to enter for geographical reasons, and the peoples of the region are quite insular.
Outreach Ideas
Portions of scripture are available in the Avar language, as well as other communication tools such as the Jesus film and Gospel recordings. Workers are needed to take these into the difficult Caucasus region.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be a few Christian believers among the Avar. Pray they will be accurately taught the ways of Christ, resting fully in the finished work of Christ on the cross, and trusting His Spirit for an abundant life.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for peace in the Caucasus region and especially between Muslims and Christians. Pray that Christianity will be seen as a relationship with Christ rather than as political or cultural in nature.
Scripture Focus
"All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before You." Psalm 22:27
 

People Name: Avar, Dagestani
Country: Russia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 901,000
World Population: 960,000
Language: Avar
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: New Testament
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

Kamis, 26 Februari 2015

Taga, Hindu of India

Taga, Hindu of India
The Taga are also referred to as Tyagi (or Tyagi Brahman), and Tyagi is a common surname. Some say they were Brahman at one time, but became farmers and lost Brahman status. They have been settled farmers for many years. The Taga have two subdivisions, Dasa and Bisa. The former allow widow remarriage while the latter prohibit it. If a Bisa allows and approves widow remarriage he at once falls into the Dasa subdivision. Ashes and bones are collected and disposed of on the third day after cremation. The gots (clans) regulate marriage alliances.
Ministry Obstacles
Spiritual darkness pervades those entrapped in Hinduism.
Outreach Ideas
Pray that Christian workers in the area won't overlook the Taga community. Pray they will no longer be a forgotten people.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There is no indication of any followers of Jesus today among the Hindu Taga. There may be a few secret believers. However, it's not too early to pray for those who will come to Christ in saving faith. They will need prayer support.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Taga community to increasingly become aware of their need for forgiveness of sin, and that they will seek a Savior.
Scripture Focus
"Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised." 1 Chronicles 16:24-25
 

People Name: Taga, Hindu
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 524,000
World Population: 524,000
Language: Hindi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

Selasa, 24 Februari 2015

Vaghri, Hindu of Pakistan

Vaghri, Hindu of Pakistan
The Vagri (a Scheduled Caste in India) are said to have derived their name from the Sanskrit wagura, meaning a net; and Vagri are said to have gotten this name because many Vagri were professional hunters. Vagris are further divided into five main sub-castes. During the Colonial period, Vagri were listed under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, as being a tribe "addicted to the systematic commission of non-bailable offences." They suffered greatly as a result of this decision, and are still suffering the consequences. In Pakistan, they are landless and have been subject to discrimination at the hands of the locally powerful Sodha Rajput community. Like those in India, the Pakistan Vagri are Hindu.
Ministry Obstacles
Lack of workers is an obstacle to the advance of the Gospel in all nations of the world, but especially so in South Asia.
Outreach Ideas
Please pray the Vaghri will discover the availability of the Jesus film, Gospel recordings and scripture on the Internet. Pray that many, many people will download or listen to these materials and that the Lord will give them understanding.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are no Christians among the Vaghri, according to the census of Pakistan and India. There may be a few secret believers, and they need prayer.
Pray for the entire people group
Please pray for improved employment opportunities for the Vaghri community, and for rapidly rising literacy rates, especially among the youth.
Scripture Focus
"He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy He will save." Psalm 72:13
 

People Name: Vaghri, Hindu
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 6,500
World Population: 557,000
Language: Vaghri
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Bible: None
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

“Non-Muslims Have Never Been Harassed Under Islamic Regime,” says Iranian Supreme Leader

Image result for “Non-Muslims Have Never Been Harassed Under Islamic Regime,” says Iranian Supreme Leader
“Non-Muslims Have Never Been Harassed Under Islamic Regime,” says Iranian Supreme Leader
By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com)

IRAN. (ANS. FEB. 22 2015) In a meeting with religious minority representatives in parliament, the Iranian Supreme Leader claimed there is no history of harassment of non-Muslims under our Islamic Republic regime.
 
In fact, according to a story by Mohabat News, he went even further.  Seyyed Ali Khamenei  said that based on Islamic teachings, followers of other religions should be treated with justice and fairness.
 
He added, “Muslims in Europe and America face death threats. There is a great propaganda campaign against them, and their places of worship are under constant attack.”
 
He claimed, “Such treatment of non-Muslims is nonexistent in the history of our Islamic regime. Even our hotheaded conservative youth do not allow themselves to attack a non-Muslim.”
 
Such claims of tolerance of non-Islamic faiths by the Iranian Supreme Leader are made while a large number of religious minorities have been imprisoned and executed since the establishment of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
 
According to Mohabat News, even religious minorities that are recognized in Iran's constitution have been harassed, persecuted and marginalized since the early days of the Islamic Revolution. That  has led to a mass migration of many religious minorities, especially Jews and Christians.
 
A few years ago, Karen Khanlarian, the then representative of the Armenian-Iranian community in Iran's parliament, raised concerns regarding the declining number of Christians in Iran. 
 
He said, “ The Armenian community is shrinking in the country. Our population is now down to 60-70 thousand.”
 
Khanlarian added, “We have had a slight drop in the number of Armenians leaving the country in the past few years, but this trend still continues amongst our community. The most popular destinations are Western Europe, the United States and Canada.”
 
In 1979, when the Islamic Revolution took place, the Armenian-Iranian population was around 180,000.
 
Comparing this number to the new census of the community, 60 percent of Armenian-Iranians have left the country. There has been a significant drop in the Iranian Jewish population as well.
 
Mohabat News said several United Nations special reports and resolutions have condemned the violation of Human Rights, especially the violation of the rights of religious minorities. 
 
In addition,  Ahmad Shaheed, the UN's Special Rapporteur for Iran, wrote in his report, “At least 307 religious minorities are being held in Iran's prisons for their faith, including 136 Bahais, 19 Dervishes, 50 Christians, 90 Sunni Muslims, and two Zoroastrians.”
 
In addition, Open Doors’ 2014 World Watch List ranked Iran among the ten countries where Christians are persecuted the most.  Its 2013 list put Iran in the 9th spot, but in 2014 Iran was moved to the seventh spot. 
 
Christians are prosecuted because of their faith, and those Christians coming from an Islamic background are imprisoned and threatened with execution.
 
In the case of Bahais, Mohabat News said, they are denied all their social rights. Many Bahais have been executed since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution based on their faith.
 
Even Sunni Muslims cannot enjoy the least amount of freedom. Like Christians and other religious minorities, Sunnis are not allowed to build a mosque of their own in Tehran, the capital.
 
Iranian laws, which are heavily based on Islamic law (Sharia), consider leaving Islam apostasy, which is punishable by death.
 
For more information about Mohabat News, visit www.mohabatnews.com

All India Christian Council Condemns the Killing of 21 Coptic Christians by the Islamic State Soldiers

All India Christian Council Condemns the Killing of 21 Coptic Christians by the Islamic State Soldiers
All India Christian Council News Release – For Immediate Release
For further information, please contact: Rt. Rev. Paothang Haokip, Deputy Moderator – Good Shepherd Church, +919440061775
HYDERABAD, INDIA (ANS – Feb 22, 2015) – The All India Christian Council strongly condemns the
barbaric killings of 21 Coptic Christians by the Islamic State Soldiers. The Christian Council also calls upon the Indian Government to join hands with the global community to stop this barbaric religious group.
All India Christian councilThe 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians were captured in Libya by ISIS-affiliated militants in December 2014 and January 2015 and were beheaded on February 16. The minority Christians in the area are wracked with grief and panic after these killings.
The ISIS-affiliated militants have been killing Christians, Muslims and Yazidi people in the region.
The All India Christian Council strongly condemns the ongoing barbaric killings and murders by the soldiers of ISIS. Bishop Dr. Joseph D'souza, the President of the All India Christian Council said, “This kind of violence by the Islamic State soldiers is a crime against humanity. The killing of Christian families and children, the Yazidi and even Muslims is a horror that the world had not expected, especially as it continues unabated and in a deliberate fashion.”
The Christian Council joins the rest of the Christian community around the world in prayer for the families of the 21 Coptic Christians who were martyred. Bishop Dr. Joseph D'souza further said, “The All India Christian Council stands in solidarity with the Coptic Church in Egypt and also the ancient Church in Iraq, and affirms the truth that the blood of martyrs has been the seed of the Christian Church for the last 2,000 years.”
The Christian Council calls Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Government to work with the global community in bringing the violence in Iraq and neighboring places to a halt through all democratic means.
Bishop Dr. D'souza said, “It would be tragic and devastating to global peace if a religious war broke out in these regions due to the unabated violence unleashed by ISIS in the name of religion.”
The All India Christian Council is a nationwide alliance of Indian Churches, organisations and individuals. Over 2000 Christian denominations, organisations and major Christian alliances are members of the Christian Council. The Christian Council works for religious freedom, freedom of conscience and the fundamental rights
of all marginalised groups regardless of caste and faith. It works for communal peace, development and for upholding the integrity and unity of India and its Constitution. The All India Christian Council is a major national and global voice in the causes and issues it espouses.
Released by the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph D’souza, President, All India Christian Council, Bishop Moderator (Good Shepherd Church of India).
All India Christian Council, Logos Bhavan, Suchitra Junction, PO Medchal Road, Secunderabad - 500067, TS, India. Tel. 040-27868907, Fax 040-27868908, Email: administrator@christiancouncil.in.
Photo caption: Dr. D'souza washes the feet of a fellow Christian clergyman
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Geruma, Geremawa of Nigeria

Geruma, Geremawa of Nigeria
The Guruma people live in northern Nigeria, in an area where Sharia law has been imposed. They are primarily located in four main villages in Bauchi State. The Geruma are ruled by the Gera people, and because of this they have adopted Islam. Their literacy rate is low. Their language is shifting from Geruma to Hausa, the dominant language and culture of the area.
Ministry Obstacles
The Geruma people are resistant to the Gospel of Christ, and they live in an area where Sharia law is in effect. Much care must be taken by anyone approaching them with the Gospel.
Outreach Ideas
Christian recordings are available in the Geruma language, and many resources are available in the Hausa language. Workers are needed to make these available to the people.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are Christians in some of the nearby people groups. Pray they will see their part of the Great Commission and reach out to the Geruma.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Geruma tribe will be given a growing desire to learn more about the man Isa (Jesus), as he is mentioned in the mosque. Perhaps he will come to some in dreams and visions.
Scripture Focus
"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen." Psalm 72:18-19
 

People Name: Geruma, Geremawa
Country: Nigeria
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 14,000
World Population: 14,000
Language: Geruma
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: None
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

Manihar of Pakistan

Manihar of Pakistan
The Manihar have a name derived from two Sanskrit words, mana and kara, mana meaning 'precious stone' and kara meaning 'maker'. Therefore the Manihar have been known for their occupation of making and selling glass, lac or ivory bangles. Today some Manihar take other jobs including tailoring. The literacy rate among the Manihar tends to be low. They are Sunni Muslims and share foods with other Muslim families but traditionally do not allow marriage outside their community. Siddiqi can be a common surname.
Ministry Obstacles
A low literacy rate suggests the need for the Gospel to come to the Manihar in oral as well as in written form.
Outreach Ideas
Perhaps many in the Manihar community will learn of scripture downloads from the web, as well as the Jesus film and other resources. Pray they will have a desire to do this, and that they will really use these resources.
Pray for the followers of Christ
No Manihar have reported themselves to the census as Christians, in either Pakistan or India. Please pray the Lord will begin stirring the hearts of many to find a Savior for their sins and will gain an increasing interest in Isa (Jesus) as he is known in the Koran. Pray Jesus will open the eyes of the Manihar to his own deity.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Manihar community will find markets for the products they make, and for employment opportunities. Pray for a rapidly increasing rate of literacy, especially among the younger people.
Scripture Focus
"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed." Acts 17:30-31
 

People Name: Manihar
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 63,000
World Population: 616,000
Language: Panjabi, Western
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

Sabtu, 21 Februari 2015

Afade of Nigeria

Afade of Nigeria
The Afade people are part of a broader grouping sometimes called "Kirdi". At one time, all these groups were completely pagan. Today, they are predominantly Muslim, with a strong pagan influence, and wear traditional Islamic dress. They have historically fallen under several legendary empires: the Tuaregs, Fulani Caliphate and Kanuri. Many speak both Kanuri and Hausa, and many have been absorbed into mainstream northern Nigeria. The ethnicity and language may be at risk of extinction.
Ministry Obstacles
The Afade people need to understand that God desires a relationship with men and women, and is slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Outreach Ideas
Gospel recordings are available in the Afade language. Workers are needed to carry the recordings to the people.
Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the handful of Christian believers among the Afade will be unified around the truth of scripture. Pray they will clearly understand the basis of their relationship with Christ, which is by faith in Christ and his work of dying for our sin.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Afade people will soon have the Gospel of Christ accurately explained to them in their mother tongue, and coming to them from someone they will accept. Pray that the Lord is even now preparing their hearts to understand and believe.
Scripture Focus
"All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Matthew 25:32
 

People Name: Afade
Country: Nigeria
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 37,000
World Population: 44,000
Language: Afade
Primary Religion: Islam
Bible: None
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.2

Baheng, Lipeng of China

Baheng, Lipeng of China
The Baheng consider themselves descended from eight ancient clans. Their name in Chinese is Ba Xing (Eight Clans). The women like to wear much jewelry, including large earrings and necklaces. In the past, a new husband was required to live in his in-laws house for 12 years. After six years, however, he was able to take his wife and build his own home if her family gave their consent. This custom has not been strictly observed in recent years. Ancestor worship is the primary religion among the Baheng and is the driving force behind many customs and prohibitions in their society.
Ministry Obstacles
This is a small ethnic group, and could easily be overlooked.
Outreach Ideas
Pray that Chinese Christians will be given a burden to take the good news of Christ to the Lipeng Baheng people. Pray these people won't be overlooked.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are likely no followers of Christ today among the Lipeng Baheng. Pray God will be cultivating a hunger and thirst for knowledge of him among the group.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray these people will soon come to see the futility of worshipping ones ancestors, and will understand their opportunity to worship the Creator God.
Scripture Focus
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalm 105:1
 

People Name: Baheng, Lipeng
Country: China
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 6,400
World Population: 6,400
Language: Pa-Hng
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Bible: None
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1

Jewish Tat, Judeo-Tat of Azerbaijan

Jewish Tat, Judeo-Tat of Azerbaijan
Some Tat speaking people believe themselves to be descended from Jews taken during the Assyrian captivity and displaced to the cities of the Medes. The Tat language is based on Persian, just like Iran's Farsi language. The Turks originally coined the term 'Tats' to designate settled groups of non-Turkic origin. Although the Tat have been an agricultural people from the beginning of their history, they have also developed a strong urban community. Farmers living in the valleys raise wheat, barley, maize, grapes, and cattle. The Tat are considered a closed society because they insist on maintaining ethnic purity by allowing marriage only within the tribe. For such a small ethnic group, this is a strategy for survival.
Ministry Obstacles
The location of these people in and near the Caucasian mountains presents something of a barrier to access, and the country of Azerbaijan does not welcome Christian workers.
Outreach Ideas
There are scripture portions available in the Judeo-Tat language, and many resources are available in the Azeri and Russian languages. Workers are needed to carry these resources to the villages of the Jewish Tat.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are no known followers of Jesus Christ among the Jewish Tat, or "Bik" or Mountain Jews, as they may be known. However, pray for those who will soon become believers, that they will be obedient and holy in their conduct, and will experience God's grace and peace.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray these people with Jewish roots may increasingly hunger to know the Messiah, Jesus. Pray the Lord will open their eyes to His full identity.
Scripture Focus
"...since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed." Genesis 18:18
 

People Name: Jewish Tat, Judeo-Tat
Country: Azerbaijan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 9,300
World Population: 78,000
Language: Judeo-Tat
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Bible: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Status: Unreached
Progress Level:
1.1